I am presently developing an applied research program in the area of tree fruit physiology, with priority given to sweet cherry and pear horticulture, and minor emphases placed on postharvest relations. Major thematic areas are: 1) Increased production efficiency, 2) Yield security, 3) Fruit growth and development, and 4) Improvement of fruit quality. These themes are closely linked to the environmental and economic sustainability of the tree fruit industry.

Elikins, R., R. Bell, and T. Einhorn. 2012. Needs assessment for future US pear rootstock research directions based on the current state of pear production and rootstock research. Journal of the American Pomological Society 66 (3): 153-163.